VS
At a Glance
Power
280kW@4000
258kW@6000
Torque
740Nm@2000
530Nm@2800
Fuel
7.7L/100km
14.9L/100km
Towing
3500kg
3500kg
0-100 km/h
5.3s
6.1s
Engine
2993cc
5461cc
Choosing between the BMW X6 and the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW X6 delivers 280kW@4000 while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class produces 258kW@6000. On fuel, the X6 returns 7.7L/100km while the G-Class uses 14.9L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 097 118 for the X6 and R1 494 000 for the G-Class. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
BMW X6M50d Steptronic 2012 - From R1 097 118
Mercedes-Benz G-Class500 7g-Tronic 2012 - From R1 494 000
Performance
Power Output
280kW@4000
258kW@6000
Torque
740Nm@2000
530Nm@2800
0-100 kph
5.3s
6.1s
Top Speed
250km/h
210km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2993cc
5461cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 6
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
DIESEL
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
7
Drive Wheels
ALL
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.7L/100km
14.9L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
9L/100km
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
7L/100km
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
85L
96L
CO2 Emissions
204g/km
348g/km
Dimensions
Length
4877mm
4662mm
Width
1983-2195mm
1760-2007mm
Height
1690mm
1951mm
Wheelbase
2933mm
2850mm
Ground Clearance
212mm
205mm
Kerb Weight
2085kg
2530kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
4
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500kg
3500kg
Load Capacity
1450kg
2250kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
ESP
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✗
Curtain Airbags
✗
✗
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✗
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
24
Warranty Distance
-
-
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
30000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW X6
3 / 4 categories
Performance
X6
Fuel Economy
X6
Value
X6
Practicality
G-Class
Pros & Cons
BMW X6
Better fuel economy (7.7L/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 097 118)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.3ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (14.9L/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X6 or G-Class?
The X6 uses 7.7L/100km and the G-Class uses 14.9L/100km on the combined cycle. The X6 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the X6 or G-Class?
The X6 produces 280kW@4000 and 740Nm@2000 of torque while the G-Class delivers 258kW@6000 and 530Nm@2800 of torque. The X6 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X6 and G-Class?
The X6 starts from R1 097 118 and the G-Class from R1 494 000. The X6 is cheaper by R396 882 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X6 or G-Class?
The X6 has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and the G-Class can tow 3500kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X6 or the G-Class?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.